Le
Mans Prototypes in 2011 |
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ACO PR of June 10th 2010 here I'm going to need to rewrite this page - let's just get finalised regs please... In detail; from the first race of 2011 (Sebring?) LMP1 cars will have the choice of the following power (limited to 520 BHP):-
And LMP2 will have the following choice (limited to 420 BHP):-
Both classes will be built to the same dimensions, strength requirements and aerodynamics, will weigh 900 kgs and have 75 lts of fuel, diesels will have 65 ltrs. Tires are unchanged @ 16 in wide & 28.5 in diameter for P1 & 14 in wide & 28 in diameter for P2 There are aerodynamic changes, some of which applied for 2010 and were "waived" for most cars. There may be other aerodynamic changes, such as the requirement a ventral fin. So there are four distinct groups of entrants with different strategies for 2011:- 1) The manufacturers (Peugeot, Audi, Aston Martin, Porsche(?)) - create new LMP1 chassis and engines 2) The other LMP1 regulars - fit downsized versions of their existing Judd or Zytek engines (or new engines such as HPD) 3) LMP2 teams - do nothing and "become" LMP1 teams 4) "New" LMP2 - fit GT2 engines (Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Aston Martin, Spyker) to existing or new LMP chassis (note: there is no such thing as "an LMP2 chassis" all chassis are the same - LMP) Where does FLM / LMPC fit into this plan? It doesn't really; the chassis is compliant, the aerodynamics less so but the engine ( 6.2lt production) is nowhere close. That's not to say they won't be "accommodated" though - that engine delivers 430HP, close to the LMP2 target. Perhaps there will be a 6lt production pushrod engine allowed... So, the only new class is LMP2. What can we expect from this? I recently mentioned to an established LMP2 team owner that he was now ready to go LMP1 in 2010. His reply surprised me when he said he didn't really want to do LMP1 and was looking at the options for LMP2 in 2011... Back to the LMP2 options; there is no doubt that a "Lola-Ferrari" would generate a lot of publicity and would interest the rich GT2 F430 teams who will be changing cars anyway. The question (pick this up forums...) is whether Ferrari would be supportive - if they were, the cars would gather the cache of collectability, if not the projects probably just won't happen. The option of Porsche 997 powered off-the shelf prototypes is coloured with similar political issues so - interesting times in LMP2... One other issue to think about - all those Porsche RS Spyders will now become eligible for LMP1, OK so all but one are in museums, it's probably in VAG's interest to keep them there ;-( Oh, and one more thing. This has little effect on the ALMS. Only 2 cars are affected (Intersport and AutoCon with their AER 4.0 turbos) and even they will presumably be allowed to run outside of Sebring and PLM. They may of course downsize their engines. The combined LPM class will presumably allow new GT2 engined LPM2s in. In both LMS and ALMS there is also the issue of LPMC/FLM to consider. Whilst not true "New LMP2s" they are, with 430 BHP, very close - indeed a bit more powerful - if LMP2 grids are sparse expect the FLMs to be combined, and even get invites to Le Mans in 2011.
The hybrid power rules are very muddled & don't seem to allow the current Peugeot or Zytek systems... Quoted in full (official translation) "The ACO wants to give manufacturers the greatest possible freedom to
develop and use such systems while taking certain measures to control
them. The use of such a system must not be aimed at obtaining additional power
but at reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
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email trevor@mariantic.co.uk
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